{
  "id": 10950632,
  "title": "From PlayStation to Sepang, Russell hopes to beat rivals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/from-playstation-to-sepang-russell-hopes-to-beat-rivals",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-30T13:10:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/09/1544856/playstation-sepang-russell-hopes-beat-rivals"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Formula One stars Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso were previously unbeatable at the Malaysia Grand Prix, but George Russell is aiming to change that. Russell, a Mercedes driver, previously only experienced the challenging Sepang International Circuit (SIC) through PlayStation. This circuit last hosted the Malaysia GP in 2017, with Hamilton winning in 2014 and Alonso claiming three titles in 2005, 2007, and 2012. Red Bull's four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen is another driver who has raced at SIC, winning there in 2017. However, Russell believes that Mercedes' strong chassis and power unit will give them an edge over the experienced drivers at this weekend's Malaysia Grand Prix. Russell, who recently won at the Azerbaijan GP, stated, \"I think we have a great opportunity to fight for pole and the win this weekend.\"",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: When Formula One heavyweights Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso were dominating the Malaysia Grand Prix, George Russell was fond of driving on the PlayStation at his favourite race track — the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}